Prof. Bernard Bashaasha leads CAES staff for COVID-19 Vaccination

The Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Prof. Bernard Bashaasha has got his first vaccination against COVID-19 at the Makerere University Hospital.

 A significant number of staff from the CAES also got their jabs. The other staff vaccinated were from the College of Education and Extra Mural Studies(CEES).  The vaccinated staff from CAES and CEES are expected to turn up for the next dose on 26^th May 2021.

Speaking after getting his jab at the University Hospital, on 31^st March, 2021, Prof.  Bashaasha described his experience as good and implored all the college staff to embrace this opportunity and get vaccinated for their safety.

“The experience was good. We came in and we were well-received. We filled the forms, we were ushered in, got the jabs and it was  not painful. Actually, before you know it, the ladies are so good that your already done.

For CAES, I encourage everyone to come and get the vaccination because, the more people we have vaccinated, the safer we are. So, I think for the safety of everyone, let us all embrace this and stick on the guidelines issued and then, we come for the next jab when it is next scheduled”, Prof. Bashaasha advised.

The vaccination of the University community against COVID  19 is being championed by Makerere University Hospital in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, Kampala City Capital Authority (KCCA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO.)

The vaccination program for the university kicked off on 26^th March, 2021 with CHS and all administrative units. This was followed by CoVAB, CoNAS and  Jinja Campus on 29^th March, 2021. CEDAT, CoBAMS and CoCIS were scheduled for 30^th March, 2021 while the CAES and CEES were for 31^st March, 2021.

The vaccination program for the first jab ends with CHUSS and the School of Law (SoL) on 1^st April, 2021.

Facts about the AstraZeneca COVID -19 vaccine

According to the Screening and informed consent form for COVID 19 Vaccination, the vaccine will reduce the risk of suffering from COVID -19 in its severe form.

“It can take a few weeks for your body to build up protection from the vaccines. There is always a chance to get infected by Corona Virus even when vaccinated; however, the vaccine lessens the severity of the infection. Two doses will reduce the chance of being seriously ill and reduce the risk of death due to Coronavirus”, the form reads in part.

The information sheet implores the recipients of the vaccine of the need to continue following the health Standards Operating Procedures at the work places and the public areas such as wearing a mask and keeping the two-meter distance from others and avoiding crowds after receiving the COVID -19 Vaccine.

“The vaccine could have some side effects as the other vaccines/medicines, most of which are minor and expected but not everyone gets them. The most likely side effects that you may experience from the vaccine include fever, swelling or pain at the injection site, redness and hardness of the skin at the injection site, headache, muscle aches or pain, joint aches or pain, fatigue (tiredness) nausea/vomiting, chills and underarm gland swelling on the side of the vaccinated arm”. Part of the message on the consent form reads.

The AstraZeneca COVID -19 vaccine requires two (2) doses to confer immunity and if one does not receive both doses, s(he) will not have full benefit from the vaccine.

 In case of any serious adverse reactions, recipients are advised to report the nearest health centre or WhatsApp 0791415555 or 0800101999 (National Drug Authority (NDA).

 Report compiled by;
Anyango Jane
Principal Communication Officer, CAES